For
each week's assigned lab work you must print a copy of the appropriate lab
guidesheet(s), shown as links below. You must bring the guidesheet(s) to lab;
it contains the instructions you need to do the lab work. Note that for
some weeks' assigned work, there may be more than one guidesheet to print.

For week #11 in lab (Mon. 4/23 – Fri. 4/27)

In this period you will: (1) study representative bacteria, (2) learn some
basic microbiological techniques, (3) learn how to properly use the
microscope's oil immersion objective

NOTE THAT there are special issues of safety and procedure in this
exercise that must be given at the start of the lab period. Everyone must
be on time to hear this.Nearly everyone's lab attendance and
punctuality have been good this semester. This warning about tardiness is for
the few who are chronically late. Anyone who arrives late will not be
permitted to do the work; the lab instructor will not make
exceptions.

Study the following before coming to lab.

1. Review your microscopy exercise lab materials (from earlier this
semester), about proper/correct use of the compound microscope. Aside from the
necessity of using proper technique as taught earlier, studying bacteria
requires use of the oil immersion objective. The lab instructor will
demonstrate the proper technique for that. You must be there to see that
yourself.

Regarding safety: You must work on an uncluttered bench surface, and
you'll be working with an alcohol burner and several stains.Therefore:

1. Do not wear chains (necklace), scarves, baggy sleeves, or anything else
that might dangle and get caught accidentally in the burner or knock over stain
bottles or dislodge lids from the culture dishes.

2. If you have long hair, you must tie it back or confine it with a cap so
that it cannot possibly come into contact with the burner, stains, or the
organisms to be studied.

3. Remember (from lab #1, the safety guidelines that you signed) that exposed skin of legs and feet is not permitted
in the lab... no sandals, flipflops, skirts, shorts,
etc.... basically no exposed skin below the ribcage. No exceptions.

4. In a laboratory where microorganisms are in use one must always take
precautions against contact with the organisms. Therefore, it should go without
saying that no consumption of food, drink, gum, candy, medicine, etc. is
permitted in the lab. There must be nothing in the mouth but teeth and
tongue during the lab session. Don't even bring "contraband" in a
bag; it might escape.

Anyone who does not follow these policies will not be allowed to stay
and do the work. This is an issue of safety and of proper practice in a
microbiology lab to minimize the chances of contamination and injury. We don't
work with pathogenic bacteria, but one must learn to handle all bacteria in the
lab as though they were potentially harmful.